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12 September 2008
VALENCIA — Spanish health authorities on Thursday ordered the withdrawal of sale of packages of Peruvian coquinas clams that have been linked to at least five cases of hepatitis A in the Valencia region.
The frozen clams, which were imported into Spain by Gamp Corporation and sold by local firms Grapesca, Pescados PCS and Mascato, were collected in Peru from May 2007 onwards.
Their consumption by five people in the Valencia region led to hepatitis A infections, health authorities said, and more cases in other areas of the country have not been ruled out.
Health officials have urged consumers and restaurants to return any suspect coquinas to their point of sale.
Hepatitis A is a curable form of the disease that causes weakness, vomiting, headaches and jaundice, though most sufferers make a complete recovery.
[El Pais / Expatica]